Christians across Pakistan on Thursday celebrate Christmas with church services, prayers and traditional festivities, joining believers around the world in observing the occasion.
Celebrations were held with enthusiasm, with churches adorned with Christmas trees and lights and worshippers offering prayers for peace, prosperity and national well-being.
In Karachi, prayer ceremonies took place at churches across the city, where venues were described as beautifully decorated and security was tightened around church premises. At St Patrick’s Church in Saddar, the community observed the festival with renewed enthusiasm.
In Lahore, colourful celebrations began as soon as the clock struck 12 at night, with churches adorned with multicoloured lights for the occasion.
At Cathedral Church, Regal Chowk, a large number of members of the Christian community attended the Christmas ceremony, where prayers were offered for the country’s and the nation’s prosperity and progress.
A major Christmas ceremony was also held at St Luke Cathedral Church in Shahdara, where Father Irfan Yousaf led the prayer. A 100-pound cake was cut at the event, while Christmas songs were sung and a fireworks display was held.
Citizens participating in large numbers in the Christmas celebrations said Christmas was a day to promote love and affection, peace and brotherhood.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif assured the minority community of the government’s full support in their journey towards progress and prosperity while addressing a Christmas ceremony in Islamabad on Thursday.
He said no one would be allowed to commit injustice against minorities under any circumstances and reaffirmed the government’s resolve to stand firm with minorities for the protection of their rights, stressing that all citizens have equal rights in the country.
The prime minister said Islam teaches love, peace, equality, justice and brotherhood, adding that the essence of the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) is to deal with others with love and affection and not to hurt others.
Separately, the PM extended greetings to the Christian community in Pakistan and around the world on the occasion of Christmas, saying the day conveys a universal message of love, peace, tolerance and goodwill for all humanity.
Highlighting the role of the Christian community in Pakistan, he said they were an active, positive and peaceful segment of society and had rendered commendable services in education, healthcare and other sectors, contributing to social harmony and national development.
The prime minister also paid tribute to the sacrifices of the Christian community in the fight against terrorism, saying their contributions alongside the rest of the nation were a source of pride for Pakistan.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, he said ensuring equal rights, freedoms, economic well-being and equal opportunities for all citizens without discrimination remained among the top priorities of the government, and urged people of all faiths to work together for a strong, secure and prosperous Pakistan.
President Asif Ali Zardari, as well, extended warm greetings and sincere wishes to Christian citizens of Pakistan and to Christian communities around the world on the joyous occasion of Christmas, describing it as a time of hope, peace and compassion.
Recalling Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s vision of Pakistan rooted in freedom and equality for all, the president cited his address to the first Constituent Assembly on August 11, 1947, and said those words remain a powerful affirmation of the country’s commitment to religious freedom and mutual respect among all citizens.
He said Christian citizens of Pakistan have made important contributions to society in politics, national defence, education, literature, arts, music, healthcare, social welfare and public service, adding that their efforts strengthen shared progress and enrich national life.
Zardari also referred to the role of S P Singha and recalled war hero Cecil Chaudhry, while reiterating that Pakistan’s Constitution guarantees equal rights and freedom of religion for every citizen.
Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir attended the Christmas celebrations at Christ Church in Rawalpindi, joining the Christian community in commemorating the joyous occasion, said Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) in a statement on Thursday.
According to the military’s media wing, CDF Munir extended heartfelt Christmas greetings and best wishes for peace, harmony and prosperity to the community.
Paying tribute to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the Field Marshal highlighted the Founder's vision of equality, freedom and religious tolerance, emphasising the protection of minority rights as a cornerstone of Pakistan's ideology.
Interacting with the congregation, Field Marshal Munir highlighted the enduring contributions of Pakistani Christians to national development and security, including their proud and distinguished service in the Pakistan Armed Forces across generations.
He also stressed upon the importance of interfaith harmony, mutual respect and unity, stating that Pakistan's strength lies in its diversity, equal opportunities and shared constitutional values beyond religion, ethnicity, caste and creed.
CDF Munir reaffirmed Pakistan Armed Forces' commitment to upholding the dignity, security and equal rights of all citizens, as enshrined in the Constitution of Pakistan, the ISPR press statement read.
The Christian community leaders expressed gratitude for the Field Marshal’s visit, acknowledging Pakistan Armed Forces’ role for protection of homeland, inclusivity, religious harmony, and national unity in Pakistan, it added.
